The Plan

Li Zhen's gaze sharpened as he looked at Julius. "I assume you've covered the basics of the Hyperwraiths," he said, his voice carrying a note of scrutiny.

Julius nodded, though a slight tension crept into his posture. "Yes, King Li Zhen. We've discussed their origin, how they're an evolved form of Oxtywraiths, and the challenges we've faced against them."

Li Zhen's eyes narrowed slightly before he shifted his focus to Milo, his Altai Snowcock assistant. "Milo," he called with a tone that brooked no hesitation.

Milo immediately stepped forward, adjusting her glasses as she did. "Yes, King Li Zhen?"

"Provide Captain Kryzius with the full report," Li Zhen instructed, his voice calm but authoritative. "Leave nothing out."

Milo nodded, tapping her tablet swiftly. The large screen behind Li Zhen flickered to life, displaying a series of images and footage. The scenes were harrowing—Usha Town's forces being overwhelmed by the Hyperwraiths, entire units being absorbed into the creatures' massive, pulsating forms.

"This," Milo began, her voice steady despite the grim visuals, "is what we've been dealing with. The Hyperwraiths don't just attack; they consume. Our soldiers, our weapons, even our defenses are drawn into their bodies, adding to their strength."

Kryzius watched the footage, his expression hardening as the enormity of the threat became clear. "How many of your forces have been lost to these things?"

Milo paused for a moment, glancing at Li Zhen before continuing. "Approximately one-third of our active military has been absorbed. The Hyperwraiths grow stronger with each encounter, and traditional methods have proven largely ineffective."

Li Zhen leaned back slightly, his eyes never leaving Kryzius. "This is the situation as it stands. Now you understand why we've called upon Vanguard X."

Kryzius looked puzzled. "But...why only us? I know it might sound naive, but did you reach out to others in Xytonia?"

Li Zhen leaned forward, his intense gaze locking onto Kryzius. "We did contact others within Xytonia. However..." He paused, a hint of something darker flashing in his eyes. "I have my reasons for choosing not to rely on them. Let's just say I harbor a certain...disdain for some of those involved."

The weight of his words hung in the air, leaving no doubt that this was a matter rooted in something personal and deep-seated.

"...and as for the reason I chose you in particular," Li Zhen continued, his voice lowering slightly as if he was sharing a closely guarded secret, "I have an interest in you."

Kryzius's eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity piqued by the king's cryptic words. "An interest in me? Why?"

Li Zhen leaned back in his chair, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "Let's just say that your reputation is not the only thing that caught my attention. There are...qualities you possess that are of particular value to me. Qualities that others might overlook, but that I find... intriguing."

Kryzius thought for a moment, weighing the king's words carefully. There was something about the way Li Zhen spoke that made him uneasy, but also curious. Finally, he nodded, deciding to play along for now.

"...Fine," Kryzius agreed, his voice steady but cautious. "If there's something you need from me, then I'll hear you out. But I expect transparency in return."

Li Zhen's smile widened, a glint of satisfaction in his intense yellow eyes. "Of course, Captain Kryzius. Transparency is a rare commodity in this world, but I assure you, you'll get it—when the time is right."

Kryzius kept his expression neutral, though his mind raced with questions. "Then let's get to it. What exactly do you want from me?"

"The only thing I want from you is to work with the special ops," Li Zhen said, his voice calm yet firm.

Kryzius froze for a moment, the image of the white-haired woman flashing through his mind. "Them?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "Do they work directly under you?"

Li Zhen shook his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Well... not exactly. The special ops are here primarily to gather information on the Hyperwraiths. They're more of an 'indie group,' operating with a degree of autonomy. They answer to their own leaders, but their goals align with ours—for now."

Kryzius frowned, his mind racing as he processed this new information. "So, you want me to collaborate with them. What's the catch?"

Li Zhen leaned back, his gaze never leaving Kryzius. "No catch, Captain. You both have a common enemy in the Hyperwraiths, and they could use someone with your skills. In return, they might offer you insights that even we don't have."

Kryzius nodded slowly, considering the proposal. "Alright. I'll work with them. But I expect to be kept in the loop about everything, especially if things go sideways."

Li Zhen's smile returned, this time with a hint of approval. "Agreed. Now, go and meet with them. There's much to be done, and time is not on our side."

Kryzius nodded in acknowledgment and turned to leave, with Julius bowing slightly before following him back to the elevator, leaving Li Zhen alone in the vast room.

As the elevator doors closed, Li Zhen sighed, his sharp yellow eyes drifting back to the papers on his desk. His gaze fell on headlines that read:

*'A strange yellow star was fully visible in the sky!'* 

*'A giant homunculus cloud with a massive hole was seen moving in the early morning!'*

He stared at the words, his mind churning with thoughts and implications. The room was silent, save for the faint rustle of paper as he turned the pages.

Milo, who had been quietly observing him, finally spoke up. "Sir... would you like me to keep an eye on them?"

Li Zhen chuckled softly, a low, amused sound that echoed in the quiet room. "No need for that, honey," he replied, his voice carrying a calm certainty. "We just need to wait... and watch."